Question

Make a crude estimate of the energy of such a hurricane, approximating it as a rigidly rotating uniform cylinder of air (density 1.3 kg/m3) of radius 82 km and height 5.0 km

Answer 1

Answer:

E = 18.77 PJ (Peta-Joule)

Explanation:

Volume = V = h · π · (d/2)² = 26405086300000 m3

Mass = Density x Volume = 1.3 x 26405086300000 = 3.43 x 10^13 kg

V = Velocity of an average hurricane = 33.081 ms-1

K.E of Hurricane = ½ mv2 = ½ x 3.43 x 10^13 (33.081)^2 = 18.77 PJ (Peta-Joule)